Engine with or without front components
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Engine with or without front components This engine on eBay looks very interesting. It apparently does not come with the front components, such as Power steering, alternator, pulleys, etc., nor the computer.
Should I care about buying those original components, or would I most likely want to replace them for aftermarket 'dressed up' components anyway?
At the moment, I have zero experience with LSX engines.
Should I care about buying those original components, or would I most likely want to replace them for aftermarket 'dressed up' components anyway?
At the moment, I have zero experience with LSX engines.
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From: DFW, TX
I wouldnt pay that much for a motor alone, but thats just me...
new or not, im not spending 5k on a motor when I could get a motor/tranny/harness for 3-4k....
Keep searching on ebay/local boards/here, unless you have your heart set on a brand spankin new motor with 0 miles....
On my swap im just doing a mild swap to get the car going with the lsx platform, scored a 5.3 with 30k miles, with harness $600.
Later on when I have more money, ill swap to something bigger, maybe an aluminum block to save weight...
For accessories, I wouldnt worry too much though, but id still look for a better deal than that....
new or not, im not spending 5k on a motor when I could get a motor/tranny/harness for 3-4k....
Keep searching on ebay/local boards/here, unless you have your heart set on a brand spankin new motor with 0 miles....
On my swap im just doing a mild swap to get the car going with the lsx platform, scored a 5.3 with 30k miles, with harness $600.
Later on when I have more money, ill swap to something bigger, maybe an aluminum block to save weight...
For accessories, I wouldnt worry too much though, but id still look for a better deal than that....
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Thanks for the input. I understand that thought process. Although, that is an LS6, and I've been seeing them for 7-8K for complete engines.
I'm interested in knowing about the build process. Again, with my background in having built 350s, is there any reason to think I shouldn't tacklle an engine that I'd need, or prefer, to tear into?
Are they expensive to build?
I'm interested in knowing about the build process. Again, with my background in having built 350s, is there any reason to think I shouldn't tacklle an engine that I'd need, or prefer, to tear into?
Are they expensive to build?
no they are not too expensive to build. just depends on what you want in it. you can get a set of stock pistons and rods for around 50 bucks, a stock crank from 150- 200, rings $100, main bearings are around $80, and the rod bearings are 350's so they run around 17-20 dollars. The rest is up to you. A local mechine shop is fly cutting my pistons for 125, vatting it for $60 and replacing cam bearings for $5 a bearing. the most expensive part is the ARP bolts ( head,rod and mains) hope this helps
pj
pj
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Thanks. Sounds like it's not much different from building a 350, in effort, method, or cost. Of course, the right manuals would provide me the requisite information.
So, it's a decision on which way to go: build hi mileage less expensive engine, or purchase a low mileage engine at higher cost.
So, it's a decision on which way to go: build hi mileage less expensive engine, or purchase a low mileage engine at higher cost.
If I were you, I'd look for a more complete setup. And get a 2001+ year engine/tranny as it has the LS6 intake already. Buy a set of LS6 heads and put on the red plastic covers, re-tune the PCM (which you'll have to anyways) ans save yourself a bundle. I got my 02 LS1 & T56, with wiring harness, PCM, exhaust, and all the accecories for under $4K
I'd post some wanted ads on this board and see what you'll find. I got mine here.
I'd post some wanted ads on this board and see what you'll find. I got mine here.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Austin, TX
Roger,
Here is a pic of an engine dressed out with aftermarket accessories: http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-...3/P0000974.JPG
This added over $2000 to the cost of this engine installation, so you just have to ask yourself what your priorities are. You can use the original accessories and exhaust manifolds and save a bunch of money. Even if you are not using the accessories, you still have to factor in those items that you will need like starter, trans, harness, and PCM. The 0 mile LS2 that I am using in the current 65 Corvette project will use all the factory accessories.
Regards, John McGraw
Here is a pic of an engine dressed out with aftermarket accessories: http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-...3/P0000974.JPG
This added over $2000 to the cost of this engine installation, so you just have to ask yourself what your priorities are. You can use the original accessories and exhaust manifolds and save a bunch of money. Even if you are not using the accessories, you still have to factor in those items that you will need like starter, trans, harness, and PCM. The 0 mile LS2 that I am using in the current 65 Corvette project will use all the factory accessories.
Regards, John McGraw
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Oh John, that is mighty pretty.
I would like to dress up the engine. While my care is not dressed up underneath (I keep the air bags low when showing anyway
), I do have a pretty decent paint job. Interior is OK. I need to refresh it (I was plannign on sending it in next month for that...but I may be sidetracked with this engine.) Any tips on buying (where, or best way to get best price) those accessories? By the way, because I will probably do somethign like that, that is another reason why I was considering that LS6 we talked about some in teh other post).
Rybar
Thanks for those tips. I'll post in teh want ads and look around here. I have pretty much decided to go with a pull out.
By the way, here's a link to my page with better pics of my '56.
I would like to dress up the engine. While my care is not dressed up underneath (I keep the air bags low when showing anyway
), I do have a pretty decent paint job. Interior is OK. I need to refresh it (I was plannign on sending it in next month for that...but I may be sidetracked with this engine.) Any tips on buying (where, or best way to get best price) those accessories? By the way, because I will probably do somethign like that, that is another reason why I was considering that LS6 we talked about some in teh other post).Rybar
Thanks for those tips. I'll post in teh want ads and look around here. I have pretty much decided to go with a pull out.
By the way, here's a link to my page with better pics of my '56.
Last edited by ewingr; Sep 22, 2005 at 11:12 PM.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Regular
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Austin, TX
Roger,
Street and Performance, is the best place for these custom drive accessories.
They are not cheap, but they build nice stuff. That is great looking 56, and I think that you will love the LS drivetrain in it. I used to think that I would never switch away from Smallblock Chevy engines, but these LS engines will grow on you. Here is album of more pics of the build-up of my 59 corvette project, and the start of the 65 Corvette project.
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubgallery.asp?id_=339303
Regards, John McGraw
Street and Performance, is the best place for these custom drive accessories.
They are not cheap, but they build nice stuff. That is great looking 56, and I think that you will love the LS drivetrain in it. I used to think that I would never switch away from Smallblock Chevy engines, but these LS engines will grow on you. Here is album of more pics of the build-up of my 59 corvette project, and the start of the 65 Corvette project.
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubgallery.asp?id_=339303
Regards, John McGraw
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John
Thanks for the link. That '59 is lookin' nice.
I really like those nice clean rides.
In my case, I made a concerted decision to not do anything with the underside of my car. I strictly drive it to events. I drove the last couple years to the Cruisin' the Coast down in Gulfport, MS. You just can't keep them clean when you drive them.
I expect to be working with Street and Performance (S&P for future reference). I just wanted to ask, though, about where to get stuff. I do have an impression they are expensive.
I am anxiously awaiting their DVD on an LSX conversion. Must be coming by slow boat.
Do you know if the Y is 'needed' for the LS1? (I noticed it on your engine pics). Of course, I don't think the '56 chassis will easily accommodate a Y.
Thanks for the link. That '59 is lookin' nice.
I really like those nice clean rides.
In my case, I made a concerted decision to not do anything with the underside of my car. I strictly drive it to events. I drove the last couple years to the Cruisin' the Coast down in Gulfport, MS. You just can't keep them clean when you drive them.
I expect to be working with Street and Performance (S&P for future reference). I just wanted to ask, though, about where to get stuff. I do have an impression they are expensive.
I am anxiously awaiting their DVD on an LSX conversion. Must be coming by slow boat.
Do you know if the Y is 'needed' for the LS1? (I noticed it on your engine pics). Of course, I don't think the '56 chassis will easily accommodate a Y.
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 26
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From: Raleigh, NC
John:
You might want to check out chevytalk.com, in the 55-57 Modified section. There's guys there who have done this swap, and I believe it involves notching the crossmember some.
I am putting an LS1/M6 in my '56 Nomad, but I am using a custom front frame clip to accomodate C4 Corvette suspension, so I have my own set of problems.
I did recently but an '05 GTO, so I know how good these LS series engines run, and they are great!
Paul
www.picturetrail.com/t0neking
You might want to check out chevytalk.com, in the 55-57 Modified section. There's guys there who have done this swap, and I believe it involves notching the crossmember some.
I am putting an LS1/M6 in my '56 Nomad, but I am using a custom front frame clip to accomodate C4 Corvette suspension, so I have my own set of problems.
I did recently but an '05 GTO, so I know how good these LS series engines run, and they are great!
Paul
www.picturetrail.com/t0neking
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ls14me
I'll check out that site. I appreciate the link. (It is me doing the swap on the'56 convertible. John has just been chiming in).
Notching that crossmember is scarry. I'll have to ask about that.
I did read recently that the engine mounts from S&P move the engine forward to 'clear teh firewall'. That too is possibly an issue. Depends on how much. For example, do I have to change my front radiator mounting structure?
I saw a 56 hardtop a couple weeks with an LS1 in it, and the radiator mounting stuff was custom, and moved forward. Shaped like this: \_____/
I wasn't even thinking about this at that time, so I didn't discuss it with him. I did ask him a couple questions, and it was apparent that he had it built. So, I doubt he'd been able to help me much anyway.
I'll check out that site. I appreciate the link. (It is me doing the swap on the'56 convertible. John has just been chiming in).
Notching that crossmember is scarry. I'll have to ask about that.
I did read recently that the engine mounts from S&P move the engine forward to 'clear teh firewall'. That too is possibly an issue. Depends on how much. For example, do I have to change my front radiator mounting structure?
I saw a 56 hardtop a couple weeks with an LS1 in it, and the radiator mounting stuff was custom, and moved forward. Shaped like this: \_____/
I wasn't even thinking about this at that time, so I didn't discuss it with him. I did ask him a couple questions, and it was apparent that he had it built. So, I doubt he'd been able to help me much anyway.
There is a local guy here with an LS1-4L60E in a '56 Hardtop. I saw that he cut off a cross member which sits just under the front of the tranny. I don't know if this is the correct way. But I thought I would let you know.
I'm interested on your project, as I would love to swap an LS1-T56 in a '56 Hardtop someday after my Camaro is done.
I'm interested on your project, as I would love to swap an LS1-T56 in a '56 Hardtop someday after my Camaro is done.
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I'll be posting here, I'm sure, unless I get discouraged and don't do it. (Cost would be most likely reason.)
I was about to send the car in for a refresh on the interior. Now, I'm not sure I want to spend the $ for both, so I need to choose. Maybe I can squeeze the interior in next year.
Right now, I'm hot to do the engine upgrade.
I was about to send the car in for a refresh on the interior. Now, I'm not sure I want to spend the $ for both, so I need to choose. Maybe I can squeeze the interior in next year.
Right now, I'm hot to do the engine upgrade.